An image reading apparatus includes a platen on which a document is to be placed, an image sensor configured to read an image of the document on the platen, an opening/closing member configured to cover and uncover the platen, a document pressing layer disposed on a surface of the opening/closing member and configured to press the document on the plate when the opening/closing member covers the platen, elastic layers located between the document pressing layer and the opening/closing member and spaced apart from each other on a surface of the document pressing layer, and connection layers connecting the elastic layers to the opening/closing member. An area of the elastic layer is larger than an area of the connection layer.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elastic layers include (i) an elastic member and (ii) a sheet covering a surface of the elastic member adjacent to corresponding one of the connection layers.
4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elastic layers protrude from the connection layers over entire perimeters of the connection layers with the connection layers being disposed on the elastic layers.
7. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first layer includes, in this order from the platen to the document feeder in a thickness of the document, a mat to be in contact with a document, a leveling elastic member attached to the mat to eliminate irregularities, and a plate layer attached to the leveling elastic member.
19. The image reading apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the first layer covers the whole of the elastic layers and connection layers.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
August 11, 2022
July 16, 2024
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